Acute, Temporary, Unilateral Facial Nerve Palsy After Dermatologic Surgery: A Report of 3 Cases

Facial nerve dysfunction can be functionally and cosmetically debilitating and is commonly associated with high anxiety for patients. We report 3 cases of temporary, unilateral facial nerve palsy following dermatologic surgery under local anaesthesia over the preauricular cheek and mandibular angle, which, to our knowledge, has not been reported in the literature. Given its frightening presentation mimicking a stroke, it is essential for dermatologists to become aware of this complication to inform their patients more thoroughly. Thus, when performing facial surgery over these regions, we recommend that dermatologists include this rare complication and its good prognosis in the consenting process to minimise anxiety for those who experience it intra- or postoperatively.